The tall building in red was stunning in its architecture. It appeared to be years old and each brick that had recently got a new paint had a story to tell of a student's life. Jonaki the last entrant of the class of 2025 stood there looking at the building for the longest time. 

She was not exactly sure how she got entry into this school. Her father who had passed away last year had assured her with his last breath that her education and future was something he had already taken care. Her eyes clouded for a moment at that memory. Then she composed herself and walked into the main office. She submitted her papers to the Officer there and the gentleman nodded at someone behind Jonaki. 

A dignified looking teacher looked at her, Mrs. Sengupta, her name tag said. She nodded at her, "First day and just on time ? No uniform and books." Then she turned and brusquely started walking towards the classroom muttering to herself, "I guess you would need the school to sponsor those too." 

"Which section is mine ?" She asked as she tried to catch up with the teacher. She stopped on her track and looked straight at her. In her unblinking stare was a direct question of how did this misfit get into this school premises. Her family was not rich, famous or accomplished, neither was she, but then she spoke plainly, "All the special entrants are always in section Z, the pride of the school. " 

Soon the class room loomed infront. It did not have any name tag as Z. But Mrs. Sengupta stopped there and turned to her with a stern look on her face, "Just like the other four accomplished students we have taken this year, all your requirements are also under school's cost. Once you have completed your class, come and meet me in the Girls' Hostel. You can collect the rest of your things from there. " Then she knocked on the door and opened it. 

The teacher there was already standing with a stack of books in his hand. Mr. Samuel the name tag read. 

"Mr. Samuel, this is your last entrant for the batch of 2025 - Jonaki." 

Mr. Samuel looked at her dress and lack of school bags and raised his eye brows in a silent communication with Mrs Sengupta. Apparently satisfied with whatever they communicated, he gave her a warm smile. 

"Welcome to the class of 2025 Jonaki. We have five sections and Z. You will join the section Z along with the four other students. I will be your Class Teacher for this year and for any support on studies come to me, for anything else approach Mrs. Sengupta."

Then he looked at his Class and smiled. "Class - please welcome Jonaki. Who will share their desk and books and Jonaki will get them today evening. " 

A girl whispered from the front seat, "Sir she is not even wearing the uniform. What's her accomplishment?" 

Jonaki looked at the sudden look of hatred that passed the girl's face and straightened her spine. But Mr. Samuel ignored her and looked at the back. 

"Vin, would you mind sharing your books and desk ? Yes. Great. Go and seat in the last bench Jonaki. You will share your desk for this term with Vin. He can help you with the basics of where we are in the class , if you so need it." 

Jonaki heard the almost stopping of breath in the class. She had not expected to be asked to join today. With not even a school bag in hand, she walked down the row of students, to sit beside the boy named Vin. 

The boy was standing , possibly to assist her to know her desk. 

As she neared the desk, she almost stumbled. This could not be true could it. She mutely looked at the student's face and he signaled the place beside him and she slipped into it. 

He handed her a pen and a copy. "I carry extra, use them." He said in a low voice that she remembered from the interaction few months back. 

She softly asked as if to reconfirm, "Vinayak ?" 

He nodded with a slight smile, "That's me. Though I am Vin here. Formally Vin. Vinayak was a name that exists only outside. " 

She nodded and started scribbling something on the paper.

He whispered, "You have been keeping okay for these months ? Was it very difficult ?" 

She nodded briefly. She could face the deep hatred in layers that was coming towards her from the other desks. 

"Are you very popular Vinayak ?" 

He smiled and corrected, "Vin. Vinayak does not exist in this world Jonaki. Remember only Vin. " But he ignored the other question and continued to chat and assist her throughout the class. 

As the bells rang indicating the end of the class, he bent towards her and spoke, "Jonaki you had my number and you never called me. I am glad you managed. But here in this school you may not. I have written my number on the first page. Memorise and call me whenever you need me. I owe it to you and your father to support you through your school years." 

As she anxiously nodded noting some people approaching the deck, he held her hand and insisted, "Memorise and call me. Infact give me a missed call. I have tennis now but give me a missed call."

Jonaki could not speak or share that she did not have a mobile. Her father had one and upon his death she had used it sometimes. But that mobile had a history and hence she preferred it to be switched off. She would need to get a number. 

As Vin left the class, a girl landed on her desk, "Ok mate, spit it out. How do you know Vin ? "